Friend
When my good friend Shannon told me she was pregnant, I was so excited and happy for her. I was looking forward to experiencing her journey with her. I listened with enthusiasm to all her doctor visit stories and reminisced about my own experiences with Shannon.
When Shannon found out her baby had a heart condition (CHD), she was devastated. I felt so bad for her because I knew how badly she wanted this baby and how excited she was. Every mom prays for a healthy baby and hopes for the best God has to give.
The hardest part was knowing that the condition was so rare and there was not enough information to help ease Shannon and Justin's mind. If there was more information, then at least they could know what to expect and how to prepare. I learned that CHD is the # 1 birth defect and is the leading cause of birth-defect related deaths. Although it is the most common birth defect, it is the least publicized. 40,000 infants are born with CHD each year in the U.S. (According to http://www.chdawareness.org/chdfacts.html)
I can't even try to imagine all that Shannon and Justin have gone through. I am just a spectator, but I have felt some of her pain and worry. I just hope that more research and information can be conducted to help parents understand CHD. I think not knowing really makes it harder for any parent.
Now that Derrick is almost 3 months old and doing fine; I am so thankful for Shannon and her family. I pray for the best for Derrick as I have held him and grown to love him. My heart goes out to those who have lost their babies to this condition.
Sue Shelton